Does Dry Needling Reduce Pain after ACL Reconstruction?

Background: Does Dry Needling Reduce Pain after ACL Reconstruction?

Dry needling (DN) has been reported to decrease pain, however, adaptations or changes in muscle tone is less well studied. A study was published in PhysTherSport:

Dry needling: Effects on activation and passive mechanical properties of the quadriceps, pain and range during late stage rehabilitation of ACL reconstructed patients.

Silvia Ortega-Cebrian ¹, Nicolleta Luchini ², Rodney Whiteley ²

How did the authors study this question? 

Authors implemented EMG, MyotonPro and clinical measurements pre and post dry needling. 20 subjects reporting pain and quadriceps muscle tension following ACLR were included.

Main outcome measures: Pain (VAS, measured during a single leg step down), knee flexion range, and passive mechanical properties of the superficial quadriceps were measured using the MyotonPro device.

What did the authors learn? 

• Pain decreased (p < 0.01) and ROM increased in flexion (p < 0.001).
• EMG activity (RMS) was decreased at rest in the Vastus Lateralis (VL (p < 0.05, ES = 0.22).
• All other sEMG parameters were not significantly different (all p > 0.11, ES = 0.13). 

What does this mean for clinical practice? 

DN resulted in small reductions in pain and the resting activation (EMG) of the vastus lateralis.

Author

Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.